Departure

Departure is a 9,000 square foot rooftop restaurant and lounge. It is situated on the top floor of the Meier & Frank Building - originally built in 1908 and on the National Register of Historic Places in Portland, Oregon. Once a cultural icon, the building has recently been renovated into a luxury hotel, restaurant, and department store. This project highlights Skylab’s capability to meld an existing structure with high design recreating a new experience for the community to engage in the heart of Downtown Portland. The concept is grounded in the history of the site. Responding to the past, when a department store or a luxury vessel could serve as a cultural outpost. The main dining room is a cockpit-like space. A teak-clad smokestack bar penetrates a skylight. The skylight cuts 65 feet along the ceiling and continues down a main wall. A chart work mural of fantasy islands spans 50 feet encircling the dining room. Seating 100, the dining room is defined by marine teak decking, sailcloth panels, and helm bar seating. Taking advantage of expansive horizontal views, a stateroom and lounge adjoin decks on the east and west. From banquette seating facing out, sliding glass doors reveal a floor-to-ceiling view of downtown.